Dozens of Nations Walk Out of Netanyahu’s UNGA Address

NEW YORK — More than two dozen countries walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defence of Israel’s latest military operation in Gaza, officials said.

Scale of the protest

According to the United Nations, delegations from nearly 70 member states left the plenary chamber before Netanyahu concluded his remarks. The walkout began shortly after the Israeli leader asserted that Israel was acting in self‑defence and warned that any further attacks on its civilians would be met with “decisive” force.

Countries that exited

Among the nations that withdrew were Brazil, South Africa, Norway, Ireland, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Smaller delegations from African, Asian and Latin American states also joined the protest, bringing the total to close to 70 countries.

Official statements

The United Nations Secretariat confirmed that the walkout was “peaceful and orderly” and that security personnel escorted delegations to their seats without incident. A spokesperson for the UN said the assembly will record the incident in its official minutes.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a brief statement saying Netanyahu’s speech was “a necessary clarification of Israel’s security concerns” and that the walkout reflected “a coordinated campaign to delegitimize Israel’s right to self‑defence.”

Reactions from the departing delegations

Representatives from Brazil and South Africa, who led the protest, said the walkout was intended to signal “deep concern over the civilian toll in Gaza and the need for an immediate cease‑fire.” The Brazilian foreign ministry described the Israeli actions as “disproportionate” and called for “urgent diplomatic engagement.” South Africa’s ambassador added that the walkout was “a peaceful expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

Other departing delegations, including Norway and Ireland, issued similar statements condemning civilian casualties and urging the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting.

Netanyahu’s defence

Netanyahu told the assembly that Israel had been forced to act after “repeated rocket attacks” from Hamas and that the military operation was aimed at “restoring security for Israeli citizens.” He warned that any escalation would compel Israel to “take all necessary measures” to protect its population.

Context and background

The speech came amid a sharp escalation in the Gaza conflict that began in early September 2026, when Israeli forces launched a ground offensive following a series of cross‑border attacks. International humanitarian organisations have reported rising civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Earlier in the week, the UN Security Council held a closed‑door session on the Gaza situation, but no resolution was adopted due to vetoes by permanent members. The General Assembly, which does not require unanimity, became the venue for Netanyahu’s address and the subsequent walkout.

Potential diplomatic fallout

Analysts note that the walkout underscores deepening diplomatic rifts over the Gaza conflict. While the United States and a handful of European allies remained in the hall, the mass departure signals growing frustration among a broad coalition of states.

“The coordinated nature of the walkout suggests a concerted diplomatic effort to isolate Israel on the world stage,” said a senior UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Whether the protest will translate into concrete actions, such as new resolutions or sanctions, remains to be seen. The UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate cease‑fire later this month.